The Movie Review and Discussion Thread

[Foggy]

The shocking truth behind The Master (No spoilers!)

Kermode Uncut: The Master Revealed - YouTube

I'll be watching The Master next weekend, I've got Boogie Nights and There Will Be Blood lined up to watch beforehand, I'll try and get my hands on Magnolia and Punch Drunk Love beforehand as well, but I doubt I'll get around to those ones.

[Abdrewes]

Originally Posted by Foggy

The shocking truth behind The Master (No spoilers!)

Kermode Uncut: The Master Revealed - YouTube



I'll be watching The Master next weekend, I've got Boogie Nights and There Will Be Blood lined up to watch beforehand, I'll try and get my hands on Magnolia and Punch Drunk Love beforehand as well, but I doubt I'll get around to those ones.

Please watch all of his films beforehand, PTA is a genius. His films definitely don't dull on repeat viewing.

[Foggy]

Originally Posted by Abdrewes

Please watch all of his films beforehand, PTA is a genius. His films definitely don't dull on repeat viewing.

Don't worry, I'll get to all his films in due time, but at the moment on the sly student budget, I'm struggling to movie going at such a pace. I've opened up a Netflix account so I'm getting quite a few films through there, but once the one month trail runs out, I doubt I'll be able to keep up movie watching.

[P@t_Mtl]

The Dunwich Horror (1970)

Directed by: Daniel Haller
Starring : Dean Stockwell, Ed Begley, Sandra Dee
Format : TV

Story : After a conference at Miskatonic University in Arkham Massachusetts by Dr. Henry Armitage Begley) on the book Necronomicon the book his given to his student Nancy Wagner (Dee) to be put back in his display case. She is followed by Wilbur Whateley (Stockwell) and manage's to convince her to have a look at the book even with the library closing. Armitage quickly interrupt everything and warn's Nancy about this Wilbur since he as studied his family and know of them. Nancy however agrees to take WIlbur back to his family home where she will be witness to murder, twin monsters, drugs, pagan rituals and a very strange pregnancy.

Comments : I have vague recall of seeing this movie back in the 70's. Certain elements are from the stories of Lovecraft but overall it's not a very good movie. It's long and more weird than anything else.It was produce by Roger Corman.

Ratings : 2/5

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by P@t_Mtl

The Dunwich Horror (1970)

Directed by: Daniel Haller
Starring : Dean Stockwell, Ed Begley, Sandra Dee
Format : TV

Story : After a conference at Miskatonic University in Arkham Massachusetts by Dr. Henry Armitage Begley) on the book Necronomicon the book his given to his student Nancy Wagner (Dee) to be put back in his display case. She is followed by Wilbur Whateley (Stockwell) and manage's to convince her to have a look at the book even with the library closing. Armitage quickly interrupt everything and warn's Nancy about this Wilbur since he as studied his family and know of them. Nancy however agrees to take WIlbur back to his family home where she will be witness to murder, twin monsters, drugs, pagan rituals and a very strange pregnancy.

Comments : I have vague recall of seeing this movie back in the 70's. Certain elements are from the stories of Lovecraft but overall it's not a very good movie. It's long and more weird than anything else.It was produce by Roger Corman.

Ratings : 2/5

Roger Corman?! Eek.

In 2007, the Lovecraft Historic Society made their own Lovecraft film: The Call of Cthulhu. A little low-budget, but since they made it into a silent film that resembled a 1920s film, it worked. If you're looking for a good Lovecraft film, that would be it.

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by Foggy

The shocking truth behind The Master (No spoilers!)

Kermode Uncut: The Master Revealed - YouTube



I'll be watching The Master next weekend, I've got Boogie Nights and There Will Be Blood lined up to watch beforehand, I'll try and get my hands on Magnolia and Punch Drunk Love beforehand as well, but I doubt I'll get around to those ones.

That guy has a David Lynch look going on there. Crazy hair.

[Al_The_Strange]

The first round of B&N Criterion Collection splurging has arrived, yay!

Next greatest blind-buy: Eating Raoul

What the?! A Criterion film that's actually not boring? Not dry? Something that entertains?! No way!

This dark comedy is a good, short morsel of amusing, classy comedy. It's a rare kind of film that covers some seriously perverse ground without ever diving into the realms of tastelessness or graphicness. If anything, a lot of what makes this film funny is that it handles the issues of sex, mass murder, and cannibalism with a straight-faced sophisticated type of mannerism; the contrast between what is considered civil and uncivil not only serves some thematic background, but also drives the comedy and the story to its gnarly conclusion.

The story for this flick is pretty amusing. Even the premise is funny in a messed-up way: it's the story of a rather conservative couple who decides to knock off swingers and take their money. With today's aesthetics, this could be the premise for another god-awful Eli Roth film, but in this case, it's executed very successfully as a comedy, thanks to the energetic, haphazard way the characters go about committing their crimes. It's like Fargo turned up to 11.

The film looks good and slick, with a type of wild Peter-Jackson-style photography and editing. Acting is really spot-on; it gets crazy when it needs to, but still has enough personality and depth to make the characters stand out. Writing is quite witty. This production has some fine and dandy sets, props, and costumes. Music is quite classy.

4/5 (Entertainment: Very Good | Story: Good | Film: Good)

Recommendation: Yep!

This Blu-Ray looks good and sharp; maybe a little bit of noise or image variation, but nothing too drastic. Sound quality is alright.

PQ: 4.5/5, AQ: 3.5/5

[Al_The_Strange]

Next greatest blind-buy: White Material

Upon reading up on this film's plot and subject matter, I think I was expecting something along the lines of Blood Diamond or Darfur or something. I figure a film about social corruption would fascinate me. I should have realized from this site's official review that White Material dodges the themes of social trouble and politics in favor of a personal touch, so naturally my expectations were all jacked up.

In some respects, I did find the film disappointing in spite of this. The film seemed to build up a proper amount of threat and conflict for the first half, so I was expecting some all-out carnage as it went on. Such a climax never came. In fact, the film is consistently slow; even, but slow with no real structure to it. Yep, just like most other Criterion films.

On the other hand, I never thought it was a bad film per se. Even though it's slow, it never bored me silly (not the way Army of Shadows did). The film does have a few hard-hitting moments (just not as many as I wanted). It does have its share of interesting scenes and encounters. Above all, it does a fine job of detailing the hardships of the main character in an oppressive setting (I was just expecting more oppression).

The film has some shakey cam, but not nearly enough to totally sicken me (thank God). Acting and writing are alright. This production does okay with the sets, props, and costumes. I absolutely loved the music.

I really wanted to like this film, but in the end, I think my feelings are mixed. Chances are good that I'll revisit it months from now with corrected expectations, and think it's the bomb. For now...

3.5/5 (Entertainment: Pretty Good | Story: Average | Film: Pretty Good)

Recommendation: Rental.

At least the Blu-Ray looks and sounds decent.

PQ: 4.5/5, AQ: 4.5/5

[iam1bearcat]

Originally Posted by Abdrewes

Please watch all of his films beforehand, PTA is a genius. His films definitely don't dull on repeat viewing.

PTA is my favorite director. all his films are genius imo. with Magnolia and TWBB being his masterful epics (both in very different ways). i very much look forward to The Master, even with all the less than stellar reviews (by users and critics)

[Foggy]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

PTA is my favorite director. all his films are genius imo. with Magnolia and TWBB being his masterful epics (both in very different ways). i very much look forward to The Master, even with all the less than stellar reviews (by users and critics)

Watched Boogie Nights before ( besides the ending) and I've found Magnolia, so I'll be giving that one a watch too

[Hellraiserfan]

Anyone know of any good Blu-ray review sites? I read the reviews on here but would also like some other opinions on transfers so I have an idea if a film does indeed have good PQ and AQ.

[Abdrewes]

Originally Posted by Foggy

Don't worry, I'll get to all his films in due time, but at the moment on the sly student budget, I'm struggling to movie going at such a pace. I've opened up a Netflix account so I'm getting quite a few films through there, but once the one month trail runs out, I doubt I'll be able to keep up movie watching.

I just have a thing for seeing most of a director's films before opening weekend of their latest. I don't like evaluating or experiencing art in a scatter-shot way. For example I've got two more Ang Lee films to see before Life of Pi, a couple David o Russel films to see before SLP... Etc.

I think Al the Strange has some Uwe Bolle films to send your way. All you have to do is ask.

[menaceuk]

Originally Posted by Hellraiserfan

Anyone know of any good Blu-ray review sites? I read the reviews on here but would also like some other opinions on transfers so I have an idea if a film does indeed have good PQ and AQ.

I always have a look here

http://www.avsforum.com/f/187/offici...y-disc-reviews

Not sure if the link is allowed. If not I am sorry

[P@t_Mtl]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

Roger Corman?! Eek.

In 2007, the Lovecraft Historic Society made their own Lovecraft film: The Call of Cthulhu. A little low-budget, but since they made it into a silent film that resembled a 1920s film, it worked. If you're looking for a good Lovecraft film, that would be it.

Thanks will try to find it, check my rental place but they don't have it, probably very rare

[P@t_Mtl]

Originally Posted by Hellraiserfan

Anyone know of any good Blu-ray review sites? I read the reviews on here but would also like some other opinions on transfers so I have an idea if a film does indeed have good PQ and AQ.

DVDBeaver? But they seem to lean more on the technical side of things

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by P@t_Mtl

Thanks will try to find it, check my rental place but they don't have it, probably very rare

I realized I made a slight mistake: the film was made in '05, not '07.

Still, I think it is rather rare and might be hard to find in rental stores. I just took a chance and bought a copy on Amazon, but I'm not sure if it's available for your location.

I also just saw this, and I'm wondering how this is...looks like the same people making it.

The Whisperer in Darkness

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by Abdrewes

I think Al the Strange has some Uwe Bolle films to send your way. All you have to do is ask.

I don't know...it seems like everywhere I go, nobody has the sophistication or intellect to properly comprehend this talented auter's work.

[jvince]

Silver Linings Playbook (2012)
dir. David O. Russell

The Good: Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence. Wow. They are, hands down, the main reason to go see this film. Amazing on-screen chemistry. Their back-and-forths are some of the most awkward yet gut-bustingly hilarious conversations I've ever seen. Easily their best performances to date; both deserve nominations and awards. Also easily the best thing De Niro has done since the late nineties. Heck, even Chris Tucker is pretty great in this. Fresh concept. Flawless first half. Fantastic soundtrack. The dance (oh my goodness...). The letter. "What the f*ck?!"

The Bad: It stumbles towards the end as it gets a bit messy and goes to predictable routes (pretty much like Garden State, minus the hipsterness).

The Bottom Line: Silver Linings is your typical David O. Russell film -- superb performances, fascinating concept, but formulaic execution. In spite of that, it's still one of the better films of the year and a potential awards contender. Recommended for fans of rom-coms and character-driven dramas.

[menaceuk]

Originally Posted by jvince

Silver Linings Playbook (2012)
dir. David O. Russell

The Good: Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence. Wow. They are, hands down, the main reason to go see this film. Amazing on-screen chemistry. Their back-and-forths are some of the most awkward yet gut-bustingly hilarious conversations I've ever seen. Easily their best performances to date; both deserve nominations and awards. Also easily the best thing De Niro has done since the late nineties. Heck, even Chris Tucker is pretty great in this. Fresh concept. Flawless first half. Fantastic soundtrack. The dance (oh my goodness...). The letter. "What the f*ck?!"

The Bad: It stumbles towards the end as it gets a bit messy and goes to predictable routes (pretty much like Garden State, minus the hipsterness).

The Bottom Line: Silver Linings is your typical David O. Russell film -- superb performances, fascinating concept, but formulaic execution. In spite of that, it's still one of the better films of the year and a potential awards contender. Recommended for fans of rom-coms and character-driven dramas.

Sweet.

I'm not a Rom-Com fan but Jennifer Lawrence is well worth checking it out for.Good to hear it is a decent movie too.

[jvince]

Originally Posted by menaceuk

Sweet.

I'm not a Rom-Com fan but Jennifer Lawrence is well worth checking it out for.Good to hear it is a decent movie too.

Jennifer Lawrence was amazing in this. Beats her performance in Winter's Bone by a mile. But I gotta say Bradley Cooper was really surprising. I didn't know he was capable of that. If he keeps doing quality stuff like this, I might actually... turn into a fan. What the hell is happening? Ben Affleck is now a highly respected director and Bradley Cooper is a great actor?